Queen of Shadows

glow across the breakfast table where Luca sat. Alessa's mind was

er a smile.

smirk. "Like a baby," s

ute. She was acutely aware of the photograph hidden in her room, a secret that held the

rying a sleek, black envelope. She handed it to Luca with a bo

contents. His expression remained impassive, but Al

setting the paper down. "From none

feared men in their world, known for his ruthlessness and cunning.

attending together," he said smoothly,

smile. "I wou

ntal-it had to be connected to whatever Luca was hiding about her father'

t framed her face. The reflection staring back at her looked every inch the poised mafi

gered on her a moment longer than usual. "You

Matteo's estate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Alessa felt the weight of Lu

with sharp, calculating eyes that missed nothing. Alessa noted the way his gaze lingered

xtending his hand. "It's a pleasure to final

g her hand into his. "Only inte

pect you're even more intri

," he said, guiding Alessa toward the dining room. But Alessa noticed the

ognized a few familiar men, who had once been loyal to her father but now pledged th

everything from business ventures to family matters. But Alessa sensed the unde

uca. "I've heard you're interested in expanding your operations," he said, his

r. "You're well-informed, Matt

the affairs of old friends. It's unfortunate wh

opening she'd been waiting for.

ca replied, his voice smoot

his eyes. "And you, my dear? Do you think the world

may move on, but some of us don't forget. My fathe

aid nothing. Matteo's smile widened, as

Loyalty is a rare quality these days. But sometimes loya

back down. "Loyalty may blind u

ed unreadable, but Alessa could see the faint glint of approval in his eyes

he held over her. Alessa resisted the urge to pull away but the weight o

rand hallway. She took the opportunity to explore, her gaze sweeping over the decor. He

dy lined with bookshelves and antique furniture. The air was heavy with the

was watching, she reached for them. The first few pages were business contracts and invoic

ies, each marked with a status update:

s name was highlighted, followed by a

zation sinking in. Matteo hadn't just been a friend of her father-he'd b

e hall. She froze, panic surging as the footsteps grew l

apers still clutched in her hand. Her heart plumm

cross his face. "Curiosity can be a dangerous habit, Ale

her fear show. "Then maybe you shoul

ng. "Oh, I will. But you... you may find

whisper. "You should ask your husband what pric

hut behind him. Alessa was left standing alone, her heart racing

or waiting was over. If Luca and Matteo thought they could keep he